Portret van Magnus Gottfried Lichtwer 1719

Martin Bernigeroth created this portrait of Magnus Gottfried Lichtwer using engraving, a printmaking process with a rich history. The image is made by carefully cutting lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Engraving demands immense skill. The artist uses a tool called a burin to carve lines into the metal, controlling the depth and thickness to create a range of tones. Look closely, and you can see the intricate network of lines that form the image. The density and direction of the lines create shading and texture, bringing Lichtwer’s face and elaborate wig to life. In its time, printmaking played a crucial role in disseminating information and images. It made art more accessible, moving it beyond the realm of unique, hand-painted works. But it also represents a form of labor, a multiplication of effort. Understanding this context helps us appreciate the craft involved, and the way it connects to broader social and economic structures.